Behind the Spotlight:
Collaboration, Innovation, and Evolution in Live Music Production
The Berry Gordy Speaker Series
November 17, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
Lani Hall
Panelists
Chris Barclay
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Entertainment Industry Veteran & Executive Leader at Upstaging
With over 25 years in the entertainment industry, Chris Barclay has dedicated his career to creating unforgettable live experiences. He began his journey with Disney, helping design and deliver magical events that brought stories to life for audiences around the world. In 2003, Chris joined Upstaging, starting as the “last man on the crew.” Through hard work, leadership, and a deep passion for excellence, he rose through the ranks to become a key member of the company’s executive team. His career reflects not only technical mastery and creative innovation but also an unwavering commitment to teamwork and growth. Today, Chris continues to drive Upstaging’s mission forward — pushing the boundaries of production design, logistics, and live event innovation — all while inspiring the next generation of entertainment professionals.
Ginger Pooley
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Bass Player, Songwriter, Artist
Ginger Pooley is a celebrated musician who has performed with some of the most iconic artists in music. She is best known for being the bass player for the Smashing Pumpkins and touring with them all over the world. From performing with Gwen Stefani, Sabrina Carpenter, Cyndi Lauper and Lainey Wilson to Tom Morello and Slash, her performances span a plethora of genres and many years of experience in the live music space. More recently she has completed a headlining European tour with the band Garbage. Also an artist and songwriter, her music has been featured in multiple movies, television shows and commercials. She has earned two gold records and a Webby award.
Kristopher Pooley
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Live Music Director, Composer, Producer
One of the world’s most experienced live music directors Kristopher has worked all over the world for more than two decades music directing performances by Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga, Cyndi Lauper, Katy Perry, DJ Marshmello, Rita Ora, Kesha, Gwen Stefani, Paula Abdul, Demi Lovato, Kelsea Ballerini, DNCE, Lionel Richie, and many more on nearly every major Awards show and TV show in the world. Kristopher is currently in his ninth season as music director for American Idol on ABC.
Behind the Spotlight
This panel brings together four industry leaders who represent every dimension of the live music ecosystem — from stage design and logistics to live performance, music direction, and creative leadership. Together, they explore how the live entertainment industry continues to evolve through technology, collaboration, and artistry, and what it takes to create and execute transformative live experiences that connect artists and audiences worldwide.
Part of the Berry Gordy Speaker Series.
The Berry Gordy Music Industry Center at UCLA’s Herb Alpert School of Music hosts a compelling speaker series aiming to inspire and educate the next generation of music industry professionals by providing direct access to those shaping the industry, from creatives to executives each facet of the industry will be touched upon. Each event highlights conversations around the human side of the industry—from personal growth and wellness to social impact and responsible leadership. The series offers students the opportunity to learn directly from change makers across music, media, and business who are reimagining what it means to lead with purpose in a rapidly evolving industry.
